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MEP says farmers stand to lose millions of pounds in subsidies after Brexit

Sinn Féin say a Brexit will have a negative impact on the north's agrifood sector
Sinn Féin say a Brexit will have a negative impact on the north's agrifood sector Sinn Féin say a Brexit will have a negative impact on the north's agrifood sector

SINN Féin has highlighted the negative impact it believes the UK's withdrawal from the EU would have on the north's food and farming industries.

The party's MEP Martina Anderson said pro-Brexit Secretary of State Theresa Villiers had failed to say how the British government would replace the significant support the regional agrifood sector receives from Brussels.

The north's largest farming union is in favour of remaining in the EU. The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) said in February that there was "no compelling argument" to show agriculture would better off post-Brexit.

Launching a campaign leaflet highlighting EU support for the food and farming industries on Monday, Ms Anderson said farmers across Ireland had voiced concern about the implications of a Vote Leave victory in next week's referendum.

"There is no doubt the EU needs to reformed and Sinn Féin is committed to working for a more democratic Europe, a greener Europe and a better Europe," she said.

"The lion’s share of the EU budget goes to farmers and rural communities through the Common Agricultural Policy – that would be lost in the event of a Brexit."

The Sinn Féin MEP said the north's farmers would lose £236m each year in direct payments and that £186m Rural Development Programme would also be hit.

"Sinn Féin have challenged the British government's secretary of state to say how this will be replaced but she has repeatedly failed to answer," she said.

"That is why we are campaigning for farmers and rural dwellers to 'Put Ireland First' and vote to remain in the EU."